Bicyclist dies in Peru crash

PERU — Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei has released the following information on a minivan versus bicycle accident that resulted in the death of the bicyclist.

At 4:13 p.m. July 8, an accident with a minivan versus bicyclist took place in the southbound lanes of the 3000 block of North Peoria Street in Peru. Responding agencies included Peru police, Peru fire, Peru ambulance, Peru ESDA, LaSalle County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police.

The preliminary investigation indicates the minivan was travelling southbound on North Peoria Street and struck the rear of the bicyclist who was traveling southbound as well, Bernabei said. The circumstances and contributing factors to the accident is under investigation by responding police agencies. The bike was a combination pedal and electric-operated bicycle. Part of the ongoing investigation will focus on attempting to determine in which mode the bike was at the time of the accident, Bernabei said.

The driver of the minivan is identified as Janette K. Langan, 39, of Carbondale.

As part of the initial investigation, Langan has been cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. There are no indications that any reckless or impaired driving on the part of Langan took place. She nor her five passengers (her husband and children) were injured.

The operator of the bike was taken to IVCH by Peru ambulance and then flown to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, where the bicyclist was pronounced dead at 11:39 p.m. Tuesday. An autopsy and inquest is pending in Peoria County. The individual’s name will be released by the Peoria County Coroner’s office.